The Night Sky Festival

By S.A. Stovall

Photographer Zach is happy to pack up his gear and head to the Mojave Desert over the holidays. Ever since his ex-husband filed for divorce a day before Christmas, it’s safe to say this isn’t Zach’s favorite time of year. 

Fortunately, he stumbles upon a town where the residents seem to agree. The good people of Baker would much rather celebrate the possibility of extraterrestrials as they dance under the stars in their unique “Night Sky Festival.” The locals are interesting, to say the least, and they want Zach to join them. 

But is Zach ready to let go of his holiday bitterness? And if so, whose invitation should he accept: the cute cashier, the burly single dad, or the sexy fun-loving cop?

A story from the Dreamspinner Press 2018 Advent Calendar "Warmest Wishes."

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
• Release date: Dec 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781644050514

S.A. Stovall

S.A. Stovall grew up in California’s central valley with a single mother and little brother. Despite no one in her family having a degree higher than a GED, she put herself through college (earning a BA in History), and then continued on to law school where she obtained her Juris Doctorate. As a child, Stovall’s favorite novel was Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O’Dell. The adventure on a deserted island opened her mind to ideas and realities she had never given thought before—and it was the moment Stovall realized that storytelling (specifically fiction) became her passion. Anything that told a story, be it a movie, book, video game, or comic, she had to experience. Now as a professor and author, Stovall wants to add her voice to the myriad of stories in the world, and she hopes you enjoy. You can contact her at the following addresses: Twitter: @GameOverStation Email: [e-mail]

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The Night Sky Festival

By S.A. Stovall

Photographer Zach is happy to pack up his gear and head to the Mojave Desert over the holidays. Ever since his ex-husband filed for divorce a day before Christmas, it’s safe to say this isn’t Zach’s favorite time of year.

Fortunately, he stumbles upon a town where the residents seem to agree. The good people of Baker would much rather celebrate the possibility of extraterrestrials as they dance under the stars in their unique Night Sky Festival. The locals are interesting, to say the least, and they want Zach to join them.

But is Zach ready to let go of his holiday bitterness? And if so, whose invitation should he accept: the cute cashier, the burly single dad, or the sexy fun-loving cop?

To Gail, for whom the story is written.

THE TOWN of Baker—if it even qualifies as a town and not a dirt hovel—sits on the edge of the Mojave Desert. Its claim to fame? They have a store named Alien Fresh Jerky. It sells purple-colored abducted cow jerky. It sits just down the road from the world’s tallest thermometer. It’s always hovering around the boiling point, even in the middle of December.

Which is why I hate this crazy town.

With a sigh and a curse on my breath, I wait in line to purchase my pack of bottled water and bundle of gum. The alien-themed store might give other people a sense of whimsy and merriment, but it all looks cheap and kitsch. Each beep of the cash register grates on my already thin patience.

Have a wonderful day, the cashier says in the same happy-go-lucky tone every time he finishes with a customer.

Have a wonderful day.

The words stew in my thoughts as I take another step forward. This cashier works at the